Jon Burgess, a valued Volvo Used Trucks customer of Stockton and supplier of new and used livestock transporters, based in Newton-on-Derwent in in the East Riding of Yorkshire, recently placed the winning bid on an internet auction site for a 1974 Volvo F86 3-axle rigid in original condition.

On bringing the former J. O. Adams & Son Volvo F86 to Yorkshire from Daventry, Jon booked it in for an MoT at which the only fault found was a failed valve in the brake pedal assembly. “Fortunately, I managed to find a replacement part and, once fitted, I drove home with a valid certificate,” says Jon.

The overall condition of the truck can only be described as both original and of astounding quality. “As it stands the flatbed body was built by Barham Truck Bodies of Northamptonshire and on this sits a potato bulker manufactured by Cranford Engineering of Knutsford, Cheshire,” explains Jon.

“If you look under the conveyor you can even see soil that’s been there for 25-years! My plans are to take this wonderful truck on commercial rallies, as you cannot have something as magnificent as this truck without sharing your good fortune with other enthusiasts,” he adds.

Jon’s day-to-day activities regularly see him liaise with Dave Hare at Volvo Used Trucks in Stockton. “We probably buy four or five trucks per year through Volvo Used Trucks,” he states.

Jon’s most recent acquisition was a Volvo FH13-500, although in the main his regular requirement is for 6-wheel rigid trucks, on which he then places livestock bodywork.

“Dave Hare is certainly helpful and I can rely on what he says. He is good and fair to deal with and I appreciate that. Volvo Used Trucks, like the F86, consistently show themselves to be reliable and parts are easy to get. Ultimately I would say a Volvo Used Truck is a great starting point for a sensible livestock wagon.”